Classic Organic Farm and Market

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The day we visited Classic Organic Farm and Market the weather was chilly and a touch misty. Yet, the low, slow moving clouds seemed to add to the intimate ambiance of the farm, the beauty in it’s simplicity and our low-key, unassuming guide, Helmut Klauer.  The area is stunning.  It lies between the coast and the Santa Inez (wine) Valley. As Helmut graciously took us through his farm I couldn’t help but notice, JJ, his exuberant farm dog companion.  I suppose pure joy is what I would assume from a farm dog; the world is their oyster: acres to run through, rodents to chase, good things to sniff, tasty treats to munch on, dirt to roll in – heaven for a dog, right? I know Helmut had interesting things to teach us about his years of organic farming going as far back as 1971, I believe. But, I was completely captivated by JJ. He was fascinating to me.  That, and the fact that Helmut paid no attention to his antics.  He didn’t seem to care one bit what JJ was up to or what crops he was trampling. I guess as a farmer you win some you lose some.  In all the seeds you plant, you know your not going to get all of them whether it’s a crazy heat spell, your dog or a field mouse.  I loved the complete joy and reckless abandon with which JJ was living. For this reason, I have a lot of photos of him.  Also, I think I could learn a few things from that rascally dog.  Note to self, more reckless abandon.

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I also enjoyed our visit to the chicken coup.  It was more like a little house with trap doors to grab up the days egg bounty.  The hens were laying eggs like crazy at night, but free to come, go, eat, drink and be merry, as they desired.  They mostly wandered through an area completely covered in fallen walnuts.  As we were stepping, the hens ran after the newly freed morsels.  And, embarrassingly to say, the hens weren’t the only ones scavenging for the prize nuts.  ;-)

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Finally, we visited the farm’s on-site market, which was on the honor system.  Can I just say again, I LOVE the honor system?  Makes me want to shop like crazy.  The honesty is invigorating!  The other opportunity Helmut’s farm presents, is a U-pick section.  Do you know, I have never U-picked!?  Well, I grabbed my basket and proudly picked the juiciest batch of strawberries possible.  Sweeter still because I picked them myself! I was so proud.

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There is something to be said for the heightened sense of delectable pleasure in devouring fruits and vegetables picked just ­minutes before the first bite.

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Peace!